Operations & Maintenance Technici

Chastain & Associates LLC•Chicago, IL

29d•$32 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

Chastain’s client transforms packaged food waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost, creating local jobs and healthier neighborhoods. Their award-winning campus operates one of the region’s only integrated depackaging and anaerobic digestion systems. We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Operations & Maintenance Technician for our client’s waste-processing facility. This is not a desk job—you will be expected to roll up your sleeves, jump right into the action, and get your hands dirty. The ideal candidate will have at least 5-10 years of experience, preferably in a large production company, with extensive hands-on knowledge across mechanical and electrical disciplines. In this role, you will not only be responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining a wide range of equipment—including pumps, tanks, filtration systems, tow motors, screens, and lighting—but also working with a team, ensuring you are all aligned with our operational goals. If you're someone who thrives in an industrial environment, isn’t afraid to tackle tough challenges, and takes pride in hands-on work, this position is for you.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (required); technical or vocational training (preferred).
Maintenance Technician certification or completed apprenticeship (preferred).
Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in an industrial setting, ideally in a large production company.
Strong working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including 24V to 480V power.
Proficiency with welding, fabrication, rigging, and industrial equipment repair.
Hands-on experience with pumps, filtration systems, motors, and control systems.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to lead and supervise a team effectively.
Willingness to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in varied conditions.
Physical ability to lift heavy equipment and perform demanding tasks.

Nice To Haves

technical or vocational training
Maintenance Technician certification or completed apprenticeship

Responsibilities

Roll up your sleeves and install, align, and maintain machinery and equipment such as pumps, tanks, screens, and filtration systems.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems (24V to 480V) and collaborate with electricians when needed.
Perform preventive maintenance and hands-on repairs on hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
Work directly with industrial control systems, using your expertise in computer logic, programming, and control drives.
Get hands-on with welding, fabricating, and rigging tasks, working with malleable and stainless materials.
Inspect and quickly resolve issues with complex machinery to minimize downtime.
Operate hoisting and rigging equipment to safely move heavy machinery.
Work alongside other trades, including electricians, to troubleshoot and fix multifaceted issues.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, including wearing PPE and following protocols.
Keep detailed logs of all maintenance activities and repairs.